Highlights
Multimedia elements in games, such as fictional TV series, can enhance immersion and make the experience more memorable for players.
Remedy Entertainment intends to persist in integrating multimedia components into its games, with Alan Wake 2 being no exception. Given its profound connection to the character and story, "Night Springs," a series inspired by Twilight Zone set in the world of Alan Wake, is expected to make a significant comeback in Alan Wake 2.
Remedy Entertainment is renowned for its incorporation of multimedia in its games. This can be seen in the inclusion of fictional television series, which dates back to the Max Payne games and carries on in their latest release, Control. This unique feature sets them apart from similar games by enhancing immersion and adding a meta layer to the overall experience. By effectively implementing these elements, Alan Wake 2 has the potential to create a cohesive and captivating fictional world that players will remember. These in-universe references and Easter eggs can go beyond mere nods to other games and contribute to a truly distinctive and engaging gameplay. Remedy's plans for a shared Remedy Connected Universe further expands the possibilities for incorporating multimedia elements in future titles, with some already making appearances in previous games. As the highly anticipated release of Alan Wake 2 approaches, one specific in-universe element from the original Alan Wake, referenced in later materials, should make a significant comeback in the sequel.
Alan Wake 2 Should Have More Of This In-Universe Component
Remedy's games feature various in-universe items, and "Night Springs" is considered one of the standout choices. Set in the world of Alan Wake, Night Springs draws inspiration from the Twilight Zone series. These interactive TVs found in the game allow players to watch short episodes that combine humor and unease, reflecting the game's overall tone. While technically separate from the main plot, these live-action segments often exhibit eerie similarities to the game's storyline. Presented in black and white with a detached narrator and classic twist endings, these condensed versions of science-fiction tales perfectly align with the game's setting and atmosphere.
According to the Alan Wake canon, the protagonist, Alan himself, has a history with Night Springs. He initially pursued a career in scriptwriting for the show before he gained fame as a crime-thriller novelist. In the game Alan Wake's American Nightmare, set entirely in an episode of Night Springs, Alan must use his writing skills to continuously rewrite the "correct" version in order to break free from a time loop, mirroring the essence of Twilight Zone stories. Considering the strong connection between Alan and Night Springs, it is logical for Alan Wake 2 to incorporate more Night Springs-related content.
With the inclusion of additional live-action sections in Alan Wake 2, it seems fitting to prioritize featuring more of the Night Springs show. While they could continue to be collectibles, they could also have a more substantial role in the storyline. Considering Alan Wake's connection to Night Springs and his profession, there are intriguing possibilities for its expanded presence. For instance, instead of simply watching an episode, Alan could become immersed in one after stumbling upon a TV, similar to the concept in American Nightmare but with a more focused approach. This would allow for a seamless blending of live-action and gameplay, as Alan finds himself in a unique area or level that mirrors an episode.
The extent and significance of these live-action segments in Alan Wake 2 remain uncertain. Nonetheless, incorporating more Night Springs installments and establishing stronger connections to the character and story would be a fantastic way to maintain one of Remedy's standout in-universe elements.
Alan Wake 2 releases October 27, 2023, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
